The risk of fatal overdose has changed significantly in recent years, most notably with the emergence of illicit fentanyl and the increasing prevalence of polypharmacy. In this webinar, presenters Michael Hite, MBA and Desislav Hite, MD will discuss trends and patterns in overdose cases over the last 5 years, factors that can increase overdose risk including identifiable life events and mental health co-occurring conditions, and how different populations are affected across Region 10. They will also discuss actionable interventions to enhance overdose safety including new medical devices and digital resources, harm reduction strategies, and collaboration with local community organizations.
Learning objectives:
About the speakers:
Michael Hite
Michael Hite is a health care entrepreneur focused on the use of technology improve the treatment of challenging diseases. He has developed multiple pharmaceutical delivery technologies from the bench to the clinic, and is a named inventor on 13 US patents. Prior to founding Ayuda Medical, Michael was a co-founder and CEO of Impel Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the treatment of Central Nervous System disorders. In his 8 years as CEO, Michael built a team of 30 employees, developed new technology and apply it to several therapeutic areas, raised multiple rounds of funding and SBIR grants, secured strategic partners, and developed the lead product into late-stage clinical studies. Michael holds a BA in Russian Studies from Amherst College and a MBA from the University of Washington.
Desislava Hite
Dr. Desislava (Desi) Hite is a physician board-certified in Emergency Medicine and actively practicing in the state of Washington for over 13 years. She is the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Ayuda Medical, founded in 2019 to bring emergency care closer to the patient and decrease the complications of overdose in the home setting. Dr. Hite is the principal investigator on Phase I and Phase II grants by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, with the aim to create a wearable device that alarms in case of overdose and immediately brings help, giving agency to the unconscious person wearing the device. It also empowers loved ones and bystanders to intercept the OD emergencies before they turn into tragedy. It is the mission of Ayuda to improve access to overdose safety for all.
